Delhi HC to hear urgent petition on IndiGo crisis today
What's the story
The Delhi High Court will hear an urgent petition against IndiGo on December 10, as the airline continues to face massive disruptions. Since December 2, IndiGo has canceled hundreds of flights across India, with 422 being canceled on Tuesday alone. Earlier, the Supreme Court took cognizance of the matter but did not intervene. A bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela listed the matter for hearing on December 10, according to PTI.
Official response
Government steps in to address IndiGo's operational crisis
Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha said the government is working to resolve passengers' issues after the IndiGo operational crisis. He said 100% refunds for PNR cancellations have been completed. "It was a major concern, and in fact, we took due notice," he told ANI. Sinha also assured that passengers would get their baggage within 24 hours, with 90% already delivered to their addresses.
Operational reduction
IndiGo's operations reduced by 10% amid crisis
Late on Tuesday, the civil aviation ministry directed IndiGo to reduce its operations by 10% across sectors. The civil aviation ministry stated that this step is necessary to stabilize the airline's operations and reduce cancellations, as the airline has not demonstrated the ability to operate its winter and summer schedules efficiently. The airline has been asked to submit a revised schedule by Wednesday, December 10, 5:00pm.
Passenger impact
Supreme Court acknowledges passenger distress at airports
On Monday, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant acknowledged that lakhs of people are stranded at airports due to IndiGo's disruptions. However, the SC did not agree to an urgent hearing on a plea seeking judicial intervention, pointing out that the Centre had taken steps to address it. On Tuesday, IndiGo's cancellation affected Delhi and Bengaluru the most. Nearly 5,000 flights have been canceled since the mass cancellations began.